The first reading is a reading from the book of the prophet Jeremiah.

The people of Judah came.

The people of Judah and the citizens of Jerusalem said,

Come, let us contrive a plot against Jeremiah.

It will not mean the loss of instruction from the priests,

nor of counsel from the wise, nor of counsel from the wise,

or of messages from the prophets.

And so let us destroy him by his own tongue.

Let us carefully note his every word.

Heed me, O Lord, and listen to what my adversaries say.

Must good be repaid with evil, that they should dig a pit and take my life.

Remember that I stood before you to speak in their behalf, to turn away your wrath from them.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God. Save me, O Lord, in your kindness. Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.

You will free me from the snare they set before me,

for you are my refuge.

Into your hands, I commend my spirit.

You will redeem me, O Lord, O faithful God.

Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.

I hear the whispers of the crowd that frightened me from every side, as they consult together against me, O Lord, in your kindness. I hear the whispers of the crowd that frighten me from every side,

as they consult together against me, plotting to take my life. Save me, O Lord, in your kindness.

But my trust is in you, O Lord. I say you are my God, and your hands is my destiny. Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my

persecutors. Save me, O Lord, and your kindness. My brothers and sisters, may our Lord be with you

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